Liability to pay contributions to German social insurance for pensions from other countries

Under German health and nursing care insurance, pensions not paid by German pension insurance are still subject to a liability to pay contributions if they are on equal terms to German statutory pensions. However, these must be comparable pensions awarded in respect of age, reduced capacity for work or survivors’ benefits. This applies whether or not the pensions relate to a member state of the European Union (EU) or a non-member country.

These new legal changes apply to both current and future pension contributions.

On this basis, for health insurance half of the general contribution rate plus the pension scheme’s own supplementary contribution will be charged. The contribution rate for nursing care insurance varies between 2.4% for those with proven parental status with at least five children aged under 25, and 4.0% for policyholders without children.

There is a legal requirement to provide information and submit documentation. If you are already receiving or will in the future receive a pension such as this, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can advise you on the liability to pay contributions.